(Motorsport news) The Formula 1 2021 season has been one of the most exciting, action packed and closest contests in recent years. With Lewis Hamilton finally getting a proper duel in the race for the world title to Ferrari improving on their last season's debacle, the race track has seen plenty of drama, controversy and excitement and the second half of the season promises much more!

Here are the top five drivers of the F1 2021 season so far.

1) Max Verstappen

There is little doubt that Verstappen has been the standout performer so far. The Dutch racing driver has gone toe to toe with seven time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and is currently three points above the British racing driver in pursuit of the World Championship. Verstappen has maximized Red Bull’s capability to the limit so far and has finished first 7 times this season. If Verstappen can maintain his form, Hamilton and Mercedes would have a real battle on their hands to retain their title.

2) Lewis Hamilton

Any list of high performing F1 drivers that doesn’t include Lewis Hamilton is wrong. Period. The British racing driver is a generational talent and has the opportunity to surpass Michael Schumacher by winning his eighth World Championship. Unfortunately, Max Verstappen and Red Bull stand in his way and they are giving him a really difficult fight. It’s fair to say that this isn’t one of Lewis Hamilton’s best campaigns so far and he has only won 4 races, namely in Bahrain, Portugal, Spain and Great Britain. Time is running out for Hamilton to find an answer for Verstappen’s pace if he hopes to retain his title once again.

3) Pierre Gasly

Racing for AlphaTauri, Pierre Gasly has had a fantastic F1 campaign so far. He has consistently finished just below the podium places, often ahead of the likes of Ferrari and McLaren and finished third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. After being demoted from Red Bull last year, the French driver has often outperformed his replacement Sergio Perez and it remains to be seen if he will be racing alongside Verstappen next year.

4) Lando Norris

With already three podium finishes so far in Emilia-Romagna, Monaco and Austria, 21 year old Lando Norris has exceeded all expectations this season. The British-Belgian racing driver is undoubtedly one of Formula 1’s hottest prospects and is driving with a maturity well beyond his years. Norris has the potential to become a World Champion in the future and if he continues to perform as well as he is for McLaren, that time won’t be too far away.

5) Charles Leclerc

If someone would have said that Charles Leclerc would be Ferrari’s first choice racing driver a few years ago, they would have been called crazy. From an experienced pair of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikonnen to Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Ferrari’s strategy has dramatically altered and paid dividends. He might have only one podium finish this year at Great Britain, which would traditionally be considered an underachievement for a Ferrari driver, but after the disastrous last year that the prancing horse has endured, it’s an achievement to say the least. Leclerc has quickly cemented his place in this Ferrari team and outperformed his teammate Carlos Sainz on most occasions. With a car capable of competing against Mercedes and Red Bull, Charles Leclerc undoubtedly has the talent and consistency to compete against Hamilton and Verstappen. Time will tell if Ferrari will support the 23 year old to bring back the glory days.

Also read: Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda set to stay at AlphaTauri for F1 2022 season